KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has once again partnered with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Development Project II (ICDP), for the launch of their third annual summer music camp at the JCF Band Division on Monday, August 15.

The programme, which will last for three weeks in its first stage, will cater to young people between the ages of eight and 18 years from three volatile communities in Kingston and St Andrew that are serviced under ICDP II — August Town, Greenwich Town and Denham Town.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP Actg) Charmaine Shand, congratulated the participants for being a part of the camp and implored them to use this opportunity to do great things for their future.

“It is important that we continue with our social programmes. We have seen the results of Covid-19 in relation to interpersonal interactions between our young people. It is a way for you to create new friendships, learn new skills and interact with other young people who did not get the opportunity to take part in this camp; we want you to go back to school and share with your friends what you’ve learned at music camp,” said ACP Shand.

Social Officer at JSIF, Tammoiya Miller, encouraged the participants to embrace the experience and pledged the continued support of the JSIF’s ICDP II project.

“The ICDP II project is funded by the government of Jamaica and targets at-risk communities and currently we are working in seven communities across the island, have as much fun as possible throughout the camp, learn as much as possible and ensure that the skill that you are learning here, you put as much interest in it as possible,” Shand added.

Director of Community Service and Development at the University of Technology and guest speaker at the event, Paulton Gordon, expressed his gratitude to be speaking with the youth and charged them to be agents of positive change in their communities.

“Music can transform your life, there is a number of music careers, and you have many opportunities in the creative industry,” said Mr Gordon. “Remain focused, if you realize you have a passion for something, stick to it and work on it, it can transform you, it can transform your family and it can transform your community,” he said.

The 20 participants will not only be playing several instruments of their choice but will also learn music theories and take part in various character development and empowerment sessions, while also being a part of sports and other recreational activities.